Alterations in Blood Flow and Blood Pressure Mechanisms

Flashcards covering key concepts related to alterations in blood flow, blood pressure mechanisms, and their clinical manifestations.

What factors can cause obstruction in blood flow?

Arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis, inflammation (vasculitis, phlebitis), vasospasm, thrombi/emboli, acute occlusion.

What are the results of reduced blood flow in the body?

Hypoxia, ischemia, venous engorgement, venous obstruction.

What clinical manifestations are associated with arterial obstruction?

In the arterial system: distal ischemia. In the venous system: edema.

What is the definition of a thrombus?

A stationary blood clot formed within a vessel or chamber of the heart.

What is an embolus?

Material that forms a clot within the bloodstream that travels and can cause ischemic events.

What are some causes of emboli?

Fat, malignant neoplasms, bacteria/infectious exudates, air, amniotic fluid.

What treatments are available for thromboemboli?

Embolectomy and filters in the inferior vena cava (like Greenfield filter).

What initiates the process of arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis?

Endothelial surface damage to the arterial intima, which leads to an inflammatory response.

What does atherosclerosis result in?

Narrowing of artery due to atherosclerotic plaque primarily composed of smooth muscle cells, epithelium, lipoproteins, and inflammatory debris.

What are nonmodifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Age, gender, family history of CAD, ethnicity.

What are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Physical activity, stress, tobacco use, hypertension, cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity.

What is Raynaud Syndrome?

Extreme vasoconstriction causing cessation of flow to fingers and toes, characterized by color changes and pain.

What are the types of aneurysms?

True aneurysms include saccular, fusiform, and berry aneurysms.

What are common tests used to diagnose aortic aneurysms?

CT scan and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

What are the classic signs and symptoms of acute arterial occlusion?

Pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, pain, polar (coldness), and pulselessness.

What are common treatments for acute arterial occlusion?

Loosening tight dressings, anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytic therapy, bypass surgery, embolectomy, and possibly amputation.

What is chronic venous insufficiency and what are its manifestations?

It results from valvular incompetence involving deep veins, leading to venous stasis ulcers and skin changes.

What does DVT stand for and why can it be life threatening?

Deep Vein Thrombosis; it can lead to pulmonary embolism which can be fatal.

What is the gold standard for direct measurement of blood pressure?

Intra-arterial catheterization.

What are the main determinants of systemic blood pressure?

Cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR).

What role does the RAAS system play in blood pressure regulation?

It regulates blood pressure through the release of renin, formation of angiotensin II, and release of aldosterone, which causes sodium and water retention.

What distinguishes primary hypertension from secondary hypertension?

Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause, while secondary hypertension is attributed to a specific pathology or condition.

What are the signs of left-sided heart failure?

Pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, cough, and hypoxemia.

What are the primary complications of shock?

Reduced cellular oxygen consumption, inflammatory responses leading to multiple organ dysfunction, and conditions like ARDS and DIC.

What factors can cause obstruction in blood flow?

Arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis, inflammation (vasculitis, phlebitis), vasospasm, thrombi/emboli, acute occlusion.

What clinical manifestations are associated with arterial obstruction?

In the arterial system: distal ischemia. In the venous system: edema.

What is the definition of a thrombus?

A stationary blood clot formed within a vessel or chamber of the heart.

What is an embolus?

Material that forms a clot within the bloodstream that travels and can cause ischemic events.

What is Raynaud Syndrome?

Extreme vasoconstriction causing cessation of flow to fingers and toes, characterized by color changes and pain